We would actually be visiting the zoo twice during our visit to Chester, on the final day we would do a full tour. But the evening prior they would be hosting us for dinner. We would be taken around the new area of Chester Zoo, known as the heart of Africa. Here we would see the Rhinos, Meerkats and Giraffes, before checking out the future plans for their new reserve.
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The Heart of Africa
We would actually be visiting the zoo twice during out visit, on the final day we would do a full tour. But the evening prior they would be hosting us for dinner. We would be taken around the newer areas of the zoo, seeing the Rhinos, Meerkats and Giraffes, before checking out the plans for their new reserve.
Although still being built (at the time of my visit) the plans looked amazing. Definitely something I will be adding to my bucket list. We were given cocktails as we explored, apparently these will be on the menu for the lodges. And Chester Zoo, if you’re reading this, please send me the recipe for whatever was in that coconut. It was sublime.
Our tour ended with my favourite cuisine, a BBQ, in the former stables that have been beautifully reimagined into an events space. Chester had some amazing food but I did not expect my favourite meal to be in a zoo. With live music including singers and drummers, my visit the next morning had some high expectations.
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The Secret Life of the Zoo
I returned the next morning to be taken on a private tour of the rest of the zoo. Chester Zoo is massive, and I had been there before in much different circumstances. Chester is the start point to the Three Peaks Challenge, a trial me and my friend undertook a few years prior for the charity Mind.
We did not want to leave Chester without visiting here, as we loved the docuseries “Secret Life of the Zoo” on Channel 4. But I had no energy left, I was running on fumes after a gruelling trek, so I don’t really remember a huge amount. I was also very new to photography at the time too so I had no clue what I was doing.
But this time was different, I was bright eyed and bushy tailed like many of their residents when I stood at the gate. We were greeted by our guide and quickly ushered in before the general public.
We only got a brief head start, and there were a few school trips that day. But we started with the Chimpanzees. This species often played a large part in Secret Life of the Zoo, following the life of Boris and his troop. Who moved to the zoo after being rescued from a pet shop in NYC in 1969.
A Conservation Society
I have to admit how privileged it felt being taken around by our tour guide. Chester Zoo is at its heart a conservation society, and they make it very clear around the park about the vital impact they make. It is one thing to read about it, but hearing directly from a keeper brings it to life.
The work Chester Zoo does is nothing short of incredible, in fact there’s so much if I was to write about it all frankly it would need more than one article in its own right. But I have linked their pages below if you would like to read it all. But their work includes everything from reintroducing animals back into the wildlife, education on habitat destruction and supporting breeding programs worldwide, as well as support coexistence with wildlife.
Asia
Chester Zoo is split into various zones, all defined by colour, with the exception of the upcoming Heart of Africa. When we explored the pink zone, it was decorated with an Indonesian theme. Every little detail was covered with painted boats, and even the bridges designed around the country.
You can explore the area by taking a lazy river boat tour, allowing you to float between the enclosures and have a unique view. Unfortunately for us we wouldn’t have the time to do so today, but I have done it on my previous visit and I can say its worth doing. Exploring the zoo by foot, as fun as it is, can be exhausting, so it is nice to have a chance to sit down and relax without missing out.
Walk in exhibits
There are a lot of walk-in enclosures to explore at Chester Zoo. Our first would be the Monsoon Rainforest. As soon as you walk in the humidity hits you, you completely forget about the weather outside as it’s so intense. But here you have some of the zoo’s most colourful residents. The birds were beautiful with their bright plumage. Unfortunately for me the sentiment “don’t work with kids or animals” rang true, as 95% of them had their back to me, and the remaining 5% shot out of view before I could take a snap.
As if to contrast with the last exhibit, we were next taken into the bats. A very wide open, dark and cold building. It took time for my eyes to adjust and even then it wasn’t great. There was some very dim lighting to highlight the path and stop you bumping into things, but not enough to disturb the bats. It looks quite light in the photo below, but i did have to do a long exposure and ramp the ISO. My view wasn’t anywhere near as light.
Speaking of which, the bats loved their habitat. They seemed to relish in whizzing past mere millimetres past peoples heads. I personally didn’t feel entirely comfortable here, but my friends on the tour loved it. I was more worried about bat poo on myself, or worse my camera. A fear that was validated when the air was punctured by the screams of a group of schoolchildren. Evidently my fears were valid and they had been the latest victim.
Otters
We spent the day heading from exhibit to exhibit, often moving at pace throughout the park so that we could catch feedings times. Some of the animals didn’t want to play ball. Like the Lemurs in the walkthrough deciding to have a nap just as we arrived. We managed to see some in their other enclosure instead though, and these were a lot more active.
Seeing the Giant otters being fed really brought the crowds in. The keepers kept them entertained by throwing the food, so they had to swim or sprint to get the fish. I have never seen Giant otters, and they aren’t kidding with the name. I was expecting a slightly larger otter. Instead I was confronted by a weasel that was almost as big as myself, and apparently some can reach even taller at 1.8m.
Apes
Of course no visit to the zoo would be complete without seeing the apes. These are some of Chester Zoo’s most charismatic residents. The views are perfect for watching them from above. Seeing them swing and play, as well as the family dynamics.
As part of any zoological society, toys are given as enrichment. And we couldn’t help but laugh as a few residents decided they wanted to make their own hats. Some of the other apes were clearly testing the others’ patience and making a nuisance of themselves. But quickly an elder would step in and put them back into their place and all would be forgiven.
Bheri the Snow Leopard
Unfortunately for me, our time at the zoo was coming to an end. We had one last (and very special) stop. Chester Zoo is one of the very few places in the world that is home to a Snow Leopard. We managed to see the father Yashin, since the mother Nubra and her child Bheri were enjoying some peace whilst they bonded.
It really was a magical moment being able to see a snow leopard, and it was a perfect moment to end on. Unfortunately for me (and this article) although I got a good view, they managed to elude my camera. Standing in spots where the sun reflected off the glass or I couldn’t get the angle right. Our guides gave us a quiz where we learned more about conservation as well as a few fun animal facts. It was clear how passionate they were about the animals under their care.
Saying goodbyes
Our tour took four hours, and honestly I can see how people can spend a full day here. I did get to briefly stop and see the penguins (my favourite animal) on the way back. I often say I would love to return to a place, that’s because I do my research and almost exclusively visit places I know I will love. Chester Zoo I can wholeheartedly say not only would I still return, but I have, and still would come back again.
Chester Zoo Frequently Asked Questions
No you don’t need to. However Chester Zoo do limit the amount of visitors per day, so I would recommend it to avoid disappointment.
Ticket prices will vary depending on the date and time you go. For adults it’s between £25 – £38. If you book in advance you can save up to 20% compared to the cost of buying on the day.
You can check the latest prices online by booking in advance or using the link below with Get Your Guide.
Chester Zoo doesn’t offer a discount year round, but occasionally they will do an offer for emergency services. You can check if there are any live offers on the Blue Light Card app.
Chester Zoo is 51 hectares or 130 acres, giving plenty of space for animals to roam. This does mean a day trip here will involve a lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
Opening times will vary throughout the year, but opening hours are usually from 10:00am with closing between 5:00 – 5:30pm in the Spring, and 4:00 – 4:30pm in the Winter.
Occasionally opening hours will differ because of a planned event. You can check for these on their website here.
You need a lot of time to fully enjoy Chester Zoo. The last entry is an hour before closing but you’ll barely scratch the surface if you arrive then.
We did a tour over four hours, and it really wasn’t enough. I’d recommend six at a minimum so you don’t feel pressured to move quickly.
No, Chester Zoo’s aquarium closed in late 2025. The building had been opened in 1952, and was closed as it had reached the end of its life and was starting to show safety concerns.
Chester Zoo does not allow pet dogs, but guide dogs and trained assistant dogs are permitted in certain areas. They must be on a lead with their vaccinations up to date.
Yes, Chester Zoo is a Zoological Society. Which means they are dedicated to the welfare of their animals. They are fed the correct food, given regular enrichment activities and their behaviours studied so they can provide better care. and replicate their natural environment better
It was abundantly clear on our tour how loved and cared for the animals were. And not just the easier ones to love like Red Pandas, but insects and arachnids too. Every penny you spend here helps animals not just in the UK but abroad too. If you want to know more, you can read all about their conversation work linked below.
The concessions do take cash however contactless payments are preferred.
Yes you can find concession stands all around the zoo. You can find refresh stations that are perfect if you want a hot or cold drink, or some food whilst you rest your feet. You should be aware that some of these are only open seasonally.
Yes a refillable souvenir cup is available and can be refilled at the concession stands around the Zoo.
Chester Zoo was started in 1931, when the Mottershead family and three years later was registered as a non-profit organisation. Today they have over 165,000 members, whose contributions help with conservation efforts across the globe.
Chester has some great hotels right in the city centre. I visited twice, once by myself and the second on a press trip.
Many of my friends and fellow travel bloggers stayed at The Queen. Which is placed right outside Chester Train Station. Not only is it a lovely hotel but it’s in the perfect place for people who are taking part in the three peaks challenge as outside the station is the meeting point.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn outside Chester Racecourse, which is ideal if you are there for any event days. When I was in Chester for the three peaks challenge I stayed at the Macdonald New Blossoms hotel, which was fine. We were on a budget and it was affordable, we had been hiking for 24 hours straight. All we wanted was a clean bed and a hot shower.